Alleged first image of the next Nexus branded smartphone is leaked

Although Sprint customers just recently managed to get comfy with the Google Nexus 4G, it seems that we’re beginning to see the first tide of worthwhile news regarding a true successor to the Nexus line of Android powered smartphones.

With the summer season just about at full swing by now this weekend, something juicy managed to come around to show off its face. Alleged to be the next Google Nexus branded smartphone, we’re getting a first glimpse of the device in its early stage – and it’s probably just a prototype unit at this point.

Still, you can visibly notice that the front is completely clean looking with no sight of any physical or capacitive buttons that we tend to associate with Android handsets. Apparently, a Google employee who works in the Android development team states that HTC and LG are in the running to produce the Nexus 3. Whichever way they decide to go, it appears that the handset won’t see the light of day until the crucial holiday time frame in December – with Android Ice Cream Sandwich in tow obviously.

Taking into account that Google has been partnering with Sprint with a lot of their new services, one could only imagine the next iteration of the device landing with the number three carrier in the US. However, it’s also rumored that another one is being developed for T-Mobile so that the two can be released at the same time.

Thanks Alex & Philip!

source: Tech Hog (1 & 2) via Pocketnow